Stress Response to Nature Exposure Real Versus Virtual

Abstract

Studies have documented the positive impact of time spent in nature on both physical and mental health including stress levels. However, many people may face accessibility barriers to natural settings. Therefore, it is important to identify ways to increase access to nature. One alternative way may be providing individuals with nature experiences through virtual reality (VR). This pilot study compared the effects of exposure to a real-world natural setting versus exposure to the same setting via VR. A two-treatment crossover design was used. Outcomes of interest included blood pressure (BP), heart rate, cortisol, and self-reported measures of stress. Twenty-three participants (X = 27 years) completed both sessions. The majority of participants were White (56.5%), not Hispanic (87%) women (52%). Significant decreases were measured in perceived stress and BP in both groups. Postexposure acute stress was significantly higher following virtual exposure than after real exposure (adjusted mean difference = 10.7, 95% confidence interval [2.3, 19.1], p = .021) when controlling for baseline stress, period, and sequence effects. Results show that both modalities have the potential to serve as stress management techniques and that VR may be a useful tool in stress management for individuals who do not have or cannot access a real natural environment.